§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private George Lawrie, No. 24578, King's Own 'Scottish Borderers, received a statement of accounts, dated 30th January, 1919, on his discharge from the Army, showing that the sum of £10 10s. had been lodged with the Post Office Savings Bank in his name; that Lawrie mislaid this statement of accounts, and, on finding it again, wrote the paymaster, who advised him to write the Post Office Savings Bank for further information; that this was done, and Lawrie informed that £10 10s. had been paid in his name on the 30th January, 1919, but this had been cancelled on 12th February, 1919, by the regimental paymaster; that Lawrie, on communicating this information to the pay office, has been told that nothing further can be done; why this account was cancelled; upon whose authority the paymaster cancelled this account; and when this money will be paid to Private George Lawrie?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIn accordance with the promise which I gave the hon. Member on 23rd November, I have already communicated to him the result of my inquiries. Briefly, so far as the facts can be ascertained at this distance of time, it appears that the deposit had been placed to the soldier's credit in error.